Halifax Historical Museum
252 S Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114
The Halifax Historical Museum resides within a piece of Volusia County history: the Merchant’s Bank building constructed in 1910. It opened in this former financial center in 1984 with a mission to honor local history, particularly World War II–era history. Today, it showcases artifacts and exhibits of the greater Daytona Beach area stretching all the way back to 5000 BC.
The basics
The Halifax Historical Museum is a relatively small space compared to the wealth of local history its collection covers. Beginning thousands of years ago through archaeological discoveries, the museum also highlights artifacts from the Spanish and British colonial periods, and from World War I and World War II, as well as vintage Americana. You’ll also find an area dedicated to NASCAR history, as well as a room dedicated to antique toys. It’s a self-guided museum, though the staff is happy to answer any questions, including questions related to self-guided scavenger hunts you may participate in.
Things to know before you go
The bank’s original murals are still displayed on the walls.
The short film about Daytona’s history is a must-see.
Keep an eye out for the art deco metalwork on the bank safes.
How to get there
The Halifax Historical Museum is located at 252 S. Beach St. in historic downtown Daytona Beach. It’s at the southern end of Riverfront Park at the intersection of E. Orange Avenue, and the 15N and 15S bus routes stop right there. If you’re driving, take I-95 Exit 261 toward the beach then turn south on Beach Street; there’s free parking in front of and behind the building.
When to get there
The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Most visitors spend 1 or 2 hours exploring the exhibits. Between June and October, mid-afternoon is a good time to visit, when storms typically roll through. In the winter, consider visiting on a Friday or Saturday when Beach Street hosts weekly or monthly events.
Find more Florida history nearby
Tucked away behind the Daytona Beach International Speedway and Daytona Beach International Airport are two underrated museums with exceptional Florida history exhibits. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art has Florida-themed paintings as its main collection. Next door, the Museum of Arts & Sciences displays a large collection of Florida history exhibits, like the Root Family Museum and the largest collection of teddy bears in the state, as well as a children’s museum.
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